The government and the Workers Social Security Agency (BPJS Ketenagakerjaan) are now preparing a mechanism for providing unemployed citizens with benefits, said Manpower Ministry training and productivity supervision director general Bambang Satrio Lelono in Jakarta on Monday.

“We encourage BPJS Ketenagakerjaan to prepare the draft because more than 70 countries already have a mechanism for granting unemployment benefits,” said Bambang as reported by kontan.co.

Bambang said one of the items that was being discussed was about the source of funds – dues collection – for the unemployment benefits.

Currently, there are four kinds of dues currently being managed by BPJS Ketenegakerjaan – dues for elderly funds, work accident funds, death funds and pension funds.

“We are still discussing the issues, whether we need another due or to split the existing four into five,” he said, adding that it was a complex issue because any changes needed be followed up with a revision to prevailing regulations.

Unemployment benefits in the form of funds and vocational training would be granted to employees who lost their jobs, he said.

“Those who lost their jobs need to relearn skills and develop skills [...] so that they can get new jobs as well as funds for their family members,” he said, adding that the government would also allocate skill development funds (SDF) for unemployed people.

Letters that do not contain full contact information cannot be published.
Letters become the property of AseanAffairs and may be republished in any format.
They typically run 150 words or less and may be edited

It is commonplace in journalism to write two types of articles at the transition point between the year that has passed and the New Year. As this writer qualifies as an “old hand” in observing Thailand with a track record dating back 14 years, it is time take a shot at what may unfold in Thailand in 2011.

The first issue that can’t be answered is the health of Thailand’s beloved King Bhumibol, who is now 83 years old. He is the world's longest reigning monarch, but elaborate birthday celebrations in December failed to mask concern over his health. More

Name

Email

1. Verifier

For security purposes, we ask that you enter the security code that is shown in the graphic. Please enter the code exactly as it is shown in the graphic.